Message from UGDSB: Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement that covers all of Dufferin and Wellington
Message from UGDSB: Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement that covers all of Dufferin and Wellington. Smoke plumes from local forest fires as well as forest fires in Quebec have resulted in deteriorated air quality. Poor air quality with moderate to high risk AQHI values will persist through the day today and possibly through the week. Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.
Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour and impact sites differently.
Outdoor activities may continue for now although we will continue to monitor air quality over the course of the week. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Please ensure that outdoor strenuous activity does not occur.
As per the guidance from Environment Canada and to maximize the efficiency of the board’s ventilation systems, the following recommendations are in place for your sites:
- Schools with Air Conditioning: Consider closing windows and running your A/C units in addition to HEPA units.
- Schools without Air Conditioning: Consider closing exterior windows and running HEPA units continuously. HEPA units are designed to remove particulate matter and will enhance existing ventilation measures especially if the units are run on high during the unoccupied hours. As temperatures increase, schools may be required to open windows to regulate temperatures. Note that in these cases, HEPA filters are not as effective.
We will continue to monitor and provide updates over the course of the week.
Please contact your supervisor if you have any questions or concerns.
Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health
If the school would like to see current AQHI readings:
www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi/today.php?sites=28028
For forecasts:
weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-031_e.html
Updates:
Alerts for: Guelph – Erin – Southern Wellington County – Environment Canada
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